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1921.75.32

Miniature cowrie shell imitation made of buff faience. [N.B. 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 1/8/2005]

1921.75.32

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Collection type
Object
Description
Miniature cowrie shell imitation made of buff faience. [N.B. 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 1/8/2005]
Geographical reference
Sudan, Republic of
Africa > Northern Africa > Sudan, Republic of
Nubia Dongola Sanam
Cultural groups
Nubian
Date / Period
Date made: 700-500 BC
Date collected
1913
Acquisition information
Donated: 1921
Materials and processes
Material Faience Pottery, Material Cowrie Shell
Dimensions
Length: max 6 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1921.75.32 Other numbers: 1617
Research and responses

'The cowrie shell was believed to have amuletic significance because of its resemblance to the female genitalia, so when beads in its shape formed an element of a woman's girdle they were in exactly the right place to ward off evil influences from the relevant bodily part of the wearer, especially if she were pregnant'. Carol Andrews 1994 Amulets of Ancient Egypt. p 42. [LM 8/2/2000]

Search terms: Animalia, Religion, Shell, Amulet

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